CATHOLIC PRIEST MARTINS ENEGBUMA FOUND GUILTY IN EDINBURGH FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON PARISHIONER
A Catholic priest, Martins Enegbuma, has been convicted of sexually assaulting a young woman during a visit to his residence in Edinburgh.The incident took place on Christmas Day when the victim, in her 20s, visited Enegbuma alongside her mother and another relative, bringing him food as they did not want him to spend the holiday alone.
Enegbuma, aged 44 and originally from Nigeria, was living in a house next to Our Lady, Mother of the Church in the Currie area.
During the 45-minute visit, Enegbuma subjected the woman to a series of inappropriate acts, including unwanted kisses, foot rubbing, and touching over her body, leaving her distressed.
According to the court, Enegbuma initiated a campaign of sexual touching, which was described as a grave abuse of his position and trust.
The family’s visit was intended as a kind gesture, but it ended in what was described as a catalogue of sexual misconduct by Enegbuma.
The prosecutor, Fiscal depute Ross Price, told Edinburgh Sheriff Court that Enegbuma had pinned the woman during an incident on a staircase, taking advantage of his role.
Mr.
Price stated, “Enegbuma set upon her in a predatory fashion, carrying out a series of sexual touches; it was one horrible incident.” The court heard that the woman was initially scared to tell her mother what had happened but later confided in her later on Christmas Day.
Her mother gave evidence about Enegbuma’s unpriestly conduct, and it was noted that Enegbuma had known the woman for several months as a member of the church congregation.
During the trial, the victim described feeling repulsed by Enegbuma’s actions, which included lingering wet kisses.
The sheriff, Adrian Fraser, found the victim and her mother to be credible and reliable witnesses.
He confirmed that the touching was deliberate, sexual in nature, and without her consent.
Sheriff Fraser stated, “The victim and her family showed kindness to you at Christmas, and this is a serious matter.” Enegbuma was found guilty of multiple offences, including lunging over the victim, rubbing her foot, squeezing her toe, embracing her, and kissing her on the hand and forehead, while also running his hands over her body.
Sentencing was deferred until March to allow for reports to be prepared.
The sheriff ordered Enegbuma to be placed on the sex offenders register and maintained his bail.
Enegbuma is currently residing in the Niddrie area of Edinburgh.
